NYC race

[Bubblegum]

I figured there will be several threads coming up about the rules and how to interpret them and thought maybe a single thread would be beneficial.

I finally read the rules and looks like I and every other participant will have to build new cars to remain legal. Right now I am too tired to get started other than banging my head against the wall.

Good luck everyone.

 

[Skywalker Racing]

I almost wonder if it wouldn't be better for half the crowd to just show up as is with bent axles. Maybe then they'll be forced to recognize the madness?

 

[ScoutRacer]

I almost wonder if it wouldn't be better for half the crowd to just show up as is with bent axles. Maybe then they'll be forced to recognize the madness?

Their Rules are going backwards.

 

[Rebel Racer]

Not so sure they will be able to enforce a no bent axle rule. The rules don’t say anything about bent axles , not specifically anyhow... it only appears under the frequently asked questions page which is separate from the official rules page. I am willing to push the issue and I’m sure others will also!

 

[LightninBoy]

Those rules are terrible. And you are right, the rules don't say anything about bent axles being illegal. The FAQ is wrong. Just more evidence that this NYC race is a joke. People have offered to help, they haven't listened. So, if you want to fix it ... DON'T GO.

Instead, if you want to go to a scout-centric pinewood derby race, with THE Best Scouting Rules and run by guys who actually know what they are doing, then go to the Northern Star Council race.

http://www.northernstarbsa.org/2018-council-pinewood-derby

 

[LightninBoy]

I almost wonder if it wouldn't be better for half the crowd to just show up as is with bent axles. Maybe then they'll be forced to recognize the madness?

I have an even better idea ... don't show up.

 

[Rebel Racer]

Those rules are terrible. And you are right, the rules don't say anything about bent axles being illegal. The FAQ is wrong. Just more evidence that this NYC race is a joke. People have offered to help, they haven't listened. So, if you want to fix it ... DON'T GO.

Instead, if you want to go to a scout-centric pinewood derby race, with THE Best Scouting Rules and run by guys who actually know what they are doing, then go to the Northern Star Council race.

http://www.northernstarbsa.org/2018-council-pinewood-derby

Thanks for your feed back LB! Scout Racer, I would pay no attention to tha FAQ page and build as you originally intended and good luck!

 

[ScoutRacer]

I am helping a couple of Scouts work through their ever changing rules. It stinks going to a Race that you are very really sure what the rules are.

 

[Pacfanweb]

I am helping a couple of Scouts work through their ever changing rules. It stinks going to a Race that you are very really sure what the rules are.

I wouldn't worry about the no bent axle rules too much. They say you can run them canted. That means the only one you worry about is the steering wheel, or the Dominant Front Wheel. (note: People always seem to write "Dominate"...it's DominANT"...sorry, pet peeve)

If anyone questions just say it's canted AND toed for steer. They can't tell. And doubt they'll care.

Good news is, they don't require axles 'viewing' holes now. Still requiring graphite, although I'd wager that many of the winners have been skirting that rule. Still no air shields. Sorry 'bout that. We ran them in 2016 and the inspector complained that he couldn't see the inside of the wheel (even though they were clear and I offered to pull one). Head guy said let it go. They changed it the next year, I think. A few others might have had them as well.

Don't like the no aftermarket axle rule for Pro Stock. Maybe for stock, sure. Pro Stock should be a lot more than just extended wheelbase.

Given the venue, it could really be a great event if they'd get the rules right.

 

[Reggie]

Not so sure they will be able to enforce a no bent axle rule. The rules don’t say anything about bent axles , not specifically anyhow... it only appears under the frequently asked questions page which is separate from the official rules page. I am willing to push the issue and I’m sure others will also!

They have a FAQ section for the rules that state no bent axles canted only. I'm thinking wth. How can you build a rail runner without a bent axle?

 

[Reggie]

I have an even better idea ... don't show up.

It may come to that. We cut a groove in the DFW axle you can see it. I would hate to, number one disappoint my son and number two drive 6 hrs only to be rejected by these stupid rules. If it was good enough for your district or council race it should be good enough for them.

 

[Bubblegum]

I guess I do not understand how a rule can be enforced and how a car can break that rule if it is not written in the official rules.

I too would hate to show up only to be DQ'ed on this especially if other cars were running oil for example and were allowed to race.

How does one build a steering wheel without it being able to be steered?

Also I have one son who wants to race stock so that means four wheels down. Would I just drill the dummy wheel higher so it barely touched?

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

FAQ is NOT the rules. It should say no bent axles in the rules. How do you check this? Everyone's cars have to get pulled apart.

 

[Reggie]

I guess I do not understand how a rule can be enforced and how a car can break that rule if it is not written in the official rules.

I too would hate to show up only to be DQ'ed on this especially if other cars were running oil for example and were allowed to race.

How does one build a steering wheel without it being able to be steered?

Also I have one son who wants to race stock so that means four wheels down. Would I just drill the dummy wheel higher so it barely touched?

I would

This is a awful. I called the Council 212-242-1100 to ask but the secretary transferred me to a voicemail. I’d rather not leave my information so I’m going to try again. Anyone else call

I emailed them but no reply.

 

[Reggie]

This is the response I just received explaining why the rules are the way they are. I'm pretty pissed because my sons car had a real chance at winning this year. Now we can't run it.

 

[Reggie]

I have never built a car trying to put enough steer in it by drilling the axle hole with two angles. I guess no NYC this year.

 

[Reggie]

Wow!!!ok that stinks already signed the boys up and paid for 3 nights at the hotel. Time to build 2 more I guess

Good luck to you!

 

[Mojo Racing]

This is the response I just received explaining why the rules are the way they are. I'm pretty pissed because my sons car had a real chance at winning this year. Now we can't run it.

Okay... so I looked over the response that was given to you Reggie... "I know it's more difficult to achieve rail riding with a canted axle rather than a bent one, but it can be done with the right engineering."

So... My take from this is, either...
1. They teach engineering in grades 1-4 in New York, and all cubs from around the country need to catch up, or
2. They are giving up on the cubs building the cars and have just fallen back on the idea that dads do all of the building, and those dads would be better off if they have an engineering degree..

Either way... It is stupid to say no bent axles.

 

[LightninBoy]

This isn't even the worst of it. Take a look at their racing format, particularly how they run their final round. First they run the top 15 cars on two tracks just once on random lanes. Doing one run on random lanes is bad enough, but then they take the fastest 8 cars based on the times from BOTH TRACKS - so your car is subject to lane and *track* variations. This is "galactically stupid".

 

[Mojo Racing]

Mannnnn... These organizers can't even get all their sh#t in one sock! ! !

I already told four boys who were asking about the New York race that I was not helping for that race... It seems, each year, that the object is to discourage boys from having people who KNOW how to race help them... The organizers totally succeeded there !